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From 6 to 7 pairs (3 to 3½ tables)
Start a 3-table Howell as normal : T1=1-3   T2=4-6   T3=10-12.   Deals 7-9 are not in play the first round.

If one or two late players do arrive :
place Deals 7-9 on a Bye between Table 2 and Table 3
set up Table 4 but without any Deals.
The late Pair will be EW 14 on Table 4 and sit out the first round.
You now play a 3½-table Mitchell Share + Relay movement. (But because Table 4 is the sit-out table, Table 1 need not share its boards with Table 4.)


From 7 to 8 pairs (3½ to 4 tables) or from 8 to 9 pairs (4 to 4½ tables)
Use a 4-table Howell.
With 3½ tables
Make Table 1 the sit-out table. Sit-out pair : Pair 8.

With 4½ tables,
Pair 9 sits out the first round, then (at round 2) move permanently to Table 4 EW.
All other pairs moving to this position sit out for one round.


From 9 to 10 pairs (4½ to 5 tables)
With 4½ tables set up a 5-table Mitchell. First sit out is EW Pair 15 on Table 5.
If an additional pair arrives you have 5 full tables.


From 10 to 11 pairs (5 to 5½ tables)
Use a regular 5-table Mitchell. Late pair is a Rover NS Pair 6.
NS6 sit out the first round then replace Pair NS2 in Round 2, Pair NS4 in Round 3 and Pair NS1 in round 4 (skipping one table each round).
(Scoremaster : select 6-table Mitchell and tick the "Rover" box.)